Pony Up

Despite the rising popularity of the '61-66 F-Series trucks and the fact that they are beginning to get some of the recognition they strongly deserve, one of the few things not to like about them is the idea of sitting on about 18 gallons of gasoline with nothing but a seat back separating you from it. I personally consider this to be one of Ford's "not-so -better ideas."

Since I'm not one to leave well enough alone and I hate the idea of becoming a crispy critter, I began to look around for another way to store fuel in my F-100. After a little research, I ran across some info from John Niolon about putting a '65-72 Mustang tank into a '53-56 Effie. So, after some consideration, I decided that despite the difference in the frames, it should work for the '57-66 models too. John mounted his tank flange and frame on top of the bottom framerails. The later trucks have some kinks and bends in their frames, so this method would not work. I ended up mounting my tank and frame to the bottom of the framerails with the tank top sticking up between them.

As things went along, this turned out to be a fairly simple project and can be completed for $400 or less. This includes a new tank and sending unit--even if you buy everything new. It could be much cheaper, depending on how good you can scrounge.

The frame I constructed to mount the tank was built from 1x1-inch square tubing and light-weight angle parts that came from scrap from a metal building site. The extension on the filler neck came from a muffler shop. I got all that stuff for nothing. The new Mustang tank and sending unit was about $215, and the stainless steel gas fitting was another $35.

The interesting thing about the '65-72 Mustang tank is that they come in three different capacities: 16-, 20-, and 22-gallon sizes (the overall dimensions of the tank stay basically the same for all of them). The only difference in all the Mustang tanks is in the height measured from the tank flange. The 22-gallon version is 1 1/2 inches taller than the 16-gallon unit. The smaller tanks give more space between the tank and the bed frame. Each tank can be purchased new at a reasonable price, is compatible with existing fuel gauges in the trucks, and fits between the framerails with just a little bit of persuasion.

Because my tri-power 390 is thirsty, I opted for the biggest fuel load I could get. Three carburetors are harder to feed than a hungry teenage boy. Another reason I used the Mustang unit is that I didn't want to have to notch (and maybe weaken) the frame with a side fill, and since I like gadgets, I could use a stainless-steel boat-style deck fill for a fuel door that mounts directly in the floor.

One more advantage of the new Mustang tanks is that they come with a drain plug. So if you ever wanted to drop the tank, you could safely do so by draining the tank before you take it out.

In keeping with my philosophy from my "Idiots Guide to Restoration" article (Nov. '03), I broke the project up into sections. First, the tank modifications, then modifying the truck's frame, then the working on the frame to hold the tank...well, you get the picture. Finish them one step at a time and things really go smooth.

Very important note: Do not attempt to weld on a salvage yard tank that has had gas in it at any time. The vapors could cause the tank to blow-up in your face. Leave it to a professional.